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HEALTH AND SANITATION
IAPMO publishes children ’ s colouring book
By Mike Flenniken
David Viola , IAPMO CEO
In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations , the following article looks at a colouring book that focuses on women plumbers and their contributions to protecting the public ’ s health . Written by IAPMO Staff Writer Mike Flenniken , it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine .
Dave Viola IAPMO CEO
‘ My Mom is a Plumbing Superhero ’ celebrates women plumbers , promotes jobs in the trade to younger audiences .
IAPMO is colouring outside the lines with a new children ’ s colouring book that aims to shift perceptions of plumbing careers .
My Mom is a Plumbing Superhero is the first children ’ s book focused exclusively on women plumbers , honouring their contributions to public health .
IAPMO partnered with real-life superhero plumber Judaline Cassidy , a proud member of Plumbers Local Union No . 1 NYC , founder of Tools & Tiaras , and one of CNN ’ s “ Champions for Change .”
Inspired and guided by Cassidy ’ s 25-year career , My Mom is a Plumbing Superhero creatively brings to life what it ’ s really like to be a plumber building a modern hygiene infrastructure .
The book illustrates how plumbers work on advanced water technologies to mitigate the effects of drought and natural disasters . The helpful nature of plumbers comes to life by depicting the work of service plumbers . The book also portrays women installing and maintaining medical gas systems .
“ People need to know … plumbing is NOT just clogged toilets !” Cassidy said . “ Clean water , steam heat , beautiful fixtures , gas lines — the pipes and systems that rely on my craft are in homes and buildings everywhere . My work is not only essential to daily life — my work saves lives .”
Only 2.1 % of plumbers are women , according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
“ Awareness is key ,” Cassidy said . “ If young women and girls don ’ t know what plumbers do or how lucrative and rewarding a career in plumbing is , how can we expect them to consider , much less pursue , this path ? At Tools & Tiaras , we work with girls as young as age six . Engaging girls , all kids , in their early , formative years is vital to inspiring their curiosity and cultivating their interest in this amazing trade .”
Cassidy founded the non-profit Tools & Tiaras as part of her mission to show girls and women that Jobs Don ’ t Have Genders™ . A native of Trinidad and Tobago , Cassidy has broken barriers over the last 25 years , advocating for equity for women in the trades . She was one of the first women accepted into Plumbers Local 371 Staten Island , NY ; the first woman elected to the Examining Board of Plumbers Local Union No . 1 NYC ; and ushered in the first Women ' s Committee within her union , becoming its first president .
“ All of us at IAPMO are inspired by Judaline ’ s career journey and her message that plumbing careers are not gendered ,” said Dave Viola , IAPMO CEO . “ Rather , it is about having the best plumbers to improve the way we live .”
IAPMO tapped noted children ’ s author Jo S Kittinger and accomplished illustrator Chuck Galey to create My Mom is a Plumbing Superhero . Kittinger has penned more than 35 books for children . Her book , “ The House on Dirty-Third Street ,” won several social justice awards , including a
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline June 2023 Volume 29 I Number 4